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July 4th Pet Safety Tips

JULY 4TH PET SAFETY TIPS

Winchester, VA pet owners - Fourth of July traditions like fireworks and picnics can be dangerous and scary for pets. Take precautions to keep your pets safe before, during and after July 4th festivities. More pets go missing in Winchester around July 4th than any other time of year – don’t let it happen to your family!

• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.

• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from pets and don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.

• Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps. Be careful to keep them away from these common foods that are toxic to pets.

• Remember that too much sun, humidity and heat can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and water and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.

• Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.

After July 4th Celebrations:

• Check your yard for fireworks debris. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat. If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.